Nissan GT-R T-Spec lands in Oz

The sixth-generation Nissan GT-R has begun its official farewell tour in Australia with a special 2022 Nissan GT-R T-Spec model arriving in Melbourne.

Nissan will call time on the storied R35 Godzilla this month with two swansong models – taking the total number of GT-R variants to five.

At $256,700 plus on-road costs, the new T-Spec variant bridges the gap to the carryover Nissan GT-R NISMO (unchanged at $378,000 plus ORCs), while a new NISMO SV flagship is priced at a lofty $393,800 plus ORCs.

The farewell tour officially begins in earnest after Nissan Australia recently took delivery of the first T-Spec variant.

Finished in Jet Black, the T-Spec touches down in Australia doubling as another significant milestone for the local operation: the last Nissan vehicle in Australia to ever be fitted with a compliance plate or label, marking the end to a practice that has been in place for more than 30 years.

“It’s often said that it’s best to save your best until last, and that’s certainly the case here,” said Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson.

“The GT-R is Nissan’s most celebrated vehicle, and while this isn’t goodbye forever, the T-Spec and NISMO SV models do act as the closing of this chapter of the GT-R story in Australia.

“The fact that the last version of this generation of Nissan’s performance icon will also be the last to wear a label that’s been part of the fabric of Australian automotive history for more than 30 years is entirely fitting.”

Compliance plates or labels will become digitised from December 2021, retiring a practice that has been undertaken in Australia since 1989.

Ironically, it is a separate red-tape policy that has sounded the death knell for the R35 GT-R in Australia, with new federal side-impact regulations introduced from this month.

Fewer than 50 MY22 GT-R models are set to arrive in Australia.

There’s no change at the bottom end of the 2022 Nissan GT-R range, with the Premium variant continuing to open the line-up at $193,800 plus ORCs and the Premium Luxury priced at $199,800 plus ORCs.

Mechanically, Nissan’s hand-built VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 and six-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle continue to power the entire GT-R range, producing 419kW/632Nm in standard trim and 441kW/652Nm for NISMO variants.

Based on the GT-R Premium, T-Spec models are distinguished primarily by gold forged 20-inch alloy wheels (rather than RAYS forged alloys), measuring the same 20x9.5 up front and 20x10.5 at rear and fitted with the same Dunlop SP Sport Maxx high-performance tyres.

They also score bigger carbon-ceramic brake rotors from NISMO models, measuring 410mm at the front and 390mm at the rear (up from 390/380mm) and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler.

Inside, the T-Spec brings quilted Alcantara headlining and suede A-pillar trim, plus exclusive kick plate finishers and a dark green finish for the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and dashboard.

Australia’s top-spec MY22 Nissan GT-R NISMO SV tops the range with a clear-coated carbon-fibre bonnet, red exterior accents and 20-inch RAYS forged alloys.

Standard features across the GT-R range continue to include a carbon-fibre engine chassis brace and carbon-composite front cross member, blue titanium exhaust outlets, leather-accented seat trim, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen with navigation, 11-speaker Bose premium audio and Intelligent Key with push-button ignition.

In addition, Premium Luxury variants score hand-stitched semi-aniline leather-accented trim for the seats, steering wheel, gearshift, dashboard and door panels.

How much does the 2022 Nissan GT-R cost?
Premium – $193,800
Premium Luxury – $199,800
T-Spec – $256,700 (new)
NISMO – $378,000
NISMO SV – $393,800 (new)
* Prices exclude on-road costs